Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, has achieved a landmark global recognition after winning six Gold trophies at the 2025 International Business Awards, making it the only Philippine restaurant brand to earn this distinction this year. The wins highlight the brand’s innovative marketing, digital, and public relations campaigns that connect with a growing community of customers across all ages.

“This is the most Gold awards we’ve ever won from a single award-giving body, and seeing our work recognized on a global stage fills us with pride and gratitude,” said Mang Inasal president Mike V. Castro. “But this WINstory is not just ours. It belongs to our customers, from locals to foreign guests, young and old, who enjoy our Ihaw-Sarap (deliciously grilled) food and Unli-Saya (unlimited fun) moments whether they dine-in, takeout, go through the drive-thru, or order delivery. Their support inspires us to keep improving and to create more moments worth celebrating.”

The campaigns recognized include MANGINASAL.PH, honored as Branded Utility of the Year for its customer-driven corporate website transformation; Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines, awarded Communications or PR Campaign of the Year for its nationwide impact; MI UNIVerse, recognized as Youth Marketing Campaign of the Year for connecting with Gen Z; #MangInasalCreamyYESSummer, which won both Influencer Marketing Campaign of the Year and Viral Marketing Campaign of the Year for its strong online reach; and #MangInasalKahitSaan, acclaimed as Marketing Campaign of the Year for Delivery Services.

“Every campaign we’ve been recognized for begins with one question: what matters most to our customers?” shared Mang Inasal marketing head Allan C. Tan. “That question shapes everything we do. We focus on what will make them smile, what excites them, and how we can make every interaction better. During the pandemic, that focus kept us going and continues to guide us today. When customers respond online, visit our stores, or order for delivery, we see our work connecting in meaningful ways. That connection drives us to keep creating moments people remember.”

The International Business Awards, considered the world’s premier business awards, drew more than 3,800 nominations from 78 nations, recognizing excellence in management, marketing, PR, customer service, HR, technology, and product innovation.

Among the Philippine brands recognized this year at the International Business Awards, Mang Inasal shared the spotlight with SM Supermalls, Ayala Land Inc., and Globe Telecom—each also included in Brand Finance’s Strongest Brands for 2025.

With its latest wins, Mang Inasal has now collected 29 major awards in 2025 from prestigious competitions including the Marketing Excellence Awards, Asia-Pacific Tambuli Awards, ASEAN PR Excellence Awards, and Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. Its inclusion in Brand Finance’s Strongest Brands list cements its position as one of the country’s most respected and influential names in business and marketing.

Sardines have long been a nutritional powerhouse, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, protein, and essential vitamins. They are an affordable, everyday way to support heart health, strong bones, and overall wellness for the whole family.

What sets Mega Sardines apart is how they are made. Through Mega Prime Foods’ System-6 process and complete vertical integration from fresh catch to hygienic canning, Mega Sardines retain their freshness, safety, and nutrient quality, earning them the “Superfood” recognition.

Six Reasons to Choose Mega Sardines

1. Freshness Guaranteed – From catch to canning, Mega Sardines are packed within 12 hours to lock in all the natural nutrients and freshness you expect in every can.
2. Omega-3 Boost – Each can is loaded with healthy fats essential for brain function, heart health, and overall wellness.
3. Heart Health – Nutrient-rich profile supports cardiovascular health and helps reduce inflammation.
4. Complete Nutrition – Packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein to keep the family energized.
5. Guaranteed Safe & Preservative-Free – State-of-the-art processing ensures no human contact and no artificial preservatives, keeping sardines close to their natural state.
6. Sustainably Sourced – With plants in Zamboanga and Batangas, Mega Prime Foods uses automation to produce up to 3 million cans daily, reaching retail outlets, major social commerce platforms, and sari-sari stores nationwide.

Available in stores nationwide, including your neighborhood sari-sari store, healthy and delicious meals are always within reach.

3 Easy Ways to Enjoy Mega Sardines

• Tokwa at Mega Sardines with Tausi  Flavorful mix of crispy tokwa, Mega Sardines, and savory tausi. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Pininyahang Mega Sardines Sweet and savory twist with pineapple chunks and Mega Sardines that’s sure to bring comfort to your table.
• Mega Sardines Pasta Aglio e Olio Simple yet flavorful pasta recipe with garlic, olive oil, and the rich taste of Mega Sardines.

Nutrition with Real-Life Impact

Beyond great taste, Mega Prime Foods is fighting malnutrition through its Mega Bigay Sustansya feeding program. Since 2019, it has helped thousands of children reach healthier nutrition, boosting the number of kids at a normal healthy weight by 46.4%.

At the ECCP 2025 Nutrition Forum, Chief Growth and Development Officer Marvin Tiu Lim shared:

“We measure [our program] before and after, and the results are remarkable. We’ve seen a 46.4% increase in children reaching a normal nutritional status, proof that the program works. It’s our part to ensure both kids and parents know how to eat well and make the right nutrition choices.”

He also underscored ongoing nutrition challenges in the Philippines, citing 3.4 million Filipinos affected by malnutrition (Action Against Hunger Philippines) and WHO data showing 1 in 10 children and 4 in 10 adults are overweight or obese.

This year, Mega Sardines also received the Seafood Superfood endorsement from the Medical Wellness Association, reaffirming its nutritional value and quality.

Mega Prime Foods believes small, everyday food choices can make a big difference. Choosing Mega Sardines means giving your family affordable, high-quality nutrition you can trust.

Learn more at Mega Prime Foods Inc. and discover how Mega Sardines can be part of your family’s wellness journey.

The Palawan Group of Companies is taking a significant step to empower Filipinos with accessible health protection with the launch of Palawan ProtekTODO Critical Illness, a timely and transformative insurance product offering essential coverage against the Philippines’ three leading causes of death: heart attack, stroke, and cancer.

Addressing the urgent need for accessible health services, Palawan Group introduces ProtekTODO Critical Illness, a straightforward and affordable insurance product offering a 100% cash payout upon diagnosis, regardless of the illness’s stage.

Policyholders can choose from two plan options: the Basic Plan with ₱50,000 coverage for as low as ₱550 per year, or the Plus Plan offering ₱100,000 coverage starting at ₱1,100 annually. Open to Filipinos aged 18 to 60, the policy provides one full year of protection, giving families crucial financial support and peace of mind when they need it most. The product provides policyholders with financial assistance for certain medical expenses and treatments, helping ease the burden of financial stress.

Karlo M. Castro, President and CEO of the Palawan Group of Companies, proudly introduced the new offering, saying, “This milestone product embodies everything we stand for—trust, innovation, and protection for every Filipino. As we mark 40 years of dedicated service, we reflect on the millions of lives we’ve touched through accessible financial solutions. More importantly, we look forward with a renewed commitment to our mission: to help build a healthier, more resilient future for the communities we serve.”

For as low as ₱550 per year, Filipinos can access essential financial protection against some of the country’s most common and financially draining critical illnesses. This affordable yet meaningful coverage is thoughtfully designed for hardworking individuals, families, and breadwinners– those who face the daily challenge of protecting their health without putting their financial stability at risk.

This new offering, with Oona Insurance Corporation as the underwriting partner, comes at a critical time. According to the 2024 Causes of Death report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, ischemic heart disease, a type of cardiovascular disease, remains the leading cause of death in the country, accounting for over 19.4% of total fatalities. Neoplasms, the second leading cause, are abnormal tissue growths that may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), with the latter commonly known as cancer. Cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke, affect blood flow in the brain and can cause serious complications, ranking third among the top causes of death. With rising medical costs and long recovery periods, the need for accessible health protection has never been greater.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Palawan Group continues to empower Filipino communities by offering “mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos” (affordable, fast, and hassle-free) service. The launch of this new product marks a significant milestone in Palawan Group’s evolution–from a provider of traditional financial services to a champion of accessible protection. As the company grows, it remains a trusted partner for millions of Filipinos, helping them not only safeguard their finances but also prepare for life’s uncertainties.

Be financially ready with reliable protection that won’t break the bank. Get ProtekTODO Critical Illness today at any Palawan Pawnshop—Palawan Express Pera Padala branch, via the PalawanPay App, or through the official Palawan ProtekTODO stores on Lazada and Shopee.